Sleep apnea

[PAULINE15]

Hi I’m being tested for sleep apnea, I’m in a fairly new relationship and my partner tells me I snore very loud and snort and chock in my sleep, also I keep falling asleep in the day time, this is all very embarrassing, if my mind is not concentrating on something I just drop off to sleep, anyone else suffer with this?

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi, my hubby has sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine. Your partner will be pleased to know it stops your snoring

You may find it helpful to check if there is a sleep issues board in HU - where you might get more replies

[Omegadeep in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

There are alternatives to CPAP Machines, my Wife has a set of plastic teeth guards that alter the profile of the mouth slightly that work very well. The NHS replace them every year.

[releasethemagic]

I use a CPAP machine and mask. It stops the snoring and improves sleep a lot. It takes a bit of getting used to. The machines are very quiet and the noise is less than a quiet whisper. If you are prescribed a machine, give it 3 months to get fully used to it.

[PAULINE15 in reply to releasethemagic]

Are you still driving? They said I may have to give up. X

[Shazza1968 in reply to PAULINE15]

Hi Pauline I had sleep apnea a few years back as I dosed off at traffic lights Bus driving I was suspended license wise until the cpap did it’s thing !

It wasn’t permanent weight loss helped me good luck

[releasethemagic in reply to PAULINE15]

You have to tell the DVLA by completing a form after sleep apnoea is formally diagnosed. They then decide whether you can carry on driving. Only severe cases are prevented from driving. CPAP reduces sleepiness so if you refused CPAP, DVLA might stop you driving if you are really sleepy during the day.

[PAULINE15 in reply to releasethemagic]

Just have phone call from doctor to say I have to phone the DVLA....to go to and from work the drive is only ten minutes but if I’ve no car it’s two buses and a painful walk.... had a little look on line it says when it’s confirmed I have to notify them, doctor says there will be someone with medical advice if I phone them 😢

[Chockie]

Hi Pauline I had an appointment with a Neurologist about 2 weeks ago. He said I had sleep apnea, I am Widowed however my husband always said I snored and twitch when I sleep. I also fall asleep in the day, I cannot watch a film, read a book I even fall asleep when I have read one page of the newspaper. I do not think mine is to do with Fibromyalgia as have had this since a child, all my Studies were put on a tape recorder so I could complete exams, I have lived to accept it , not something I would wish anyone.

[PAULINE15 in reply to Chockie]

Were you given a CPAP machine?

[Chockie in reply to PAULINE15]

So far have not been offered a CPAP machine.

[skit]

HiPauline,

It is very important you get a true diagnosis on sleep apnoea or not, particularly if you drive.

My hubby has it & machine now is less noisy than snoring.

In relationships you need to be honest so tell partner about condition.

I had to go to 1st appointment with hubby as had relevant information on the number of times he seemed to stop breathing when asleep.

Best wishes

[Smilingsarah]

My expartner had a CPAP machine and he still was able to drive once the relevant assessments were completed.My mum was falling asleep like you describe and was on waiting for list for sleep study but also diagnosed as pre-diabetes and started on the NHS course to help her. She has stuck at it and lost a significant amount of weight size 20/22 to size 14, greatly reduced pain, increased activity, no longer falling asleep and snoring significantly reduced. It’s taken her 18 months but no longer pre-diabetic. It’s not been easy but she is a different woman cannot believe it. I know everyone is different but definitely recommend the help and support as it’s life changing.

Good luck

[PAULINE15 in reply to Smilingsarah]

Hi thanks for that, I’m really gutted the doctor told me I had to phone the DVLA and they’ve said I have to stop driving till tested and start treatment, I thought about going private but all enquiries I’ve made clinics are closed due to COVID, I’m so upset my pain is so bad in my legs I can’t sleep on my side to help the snoring and disturbed sleep, I could be waiting a year or even two for a sleep test, I’m on furlough now but could be going back in two weeks and without my car to get to work it would mean two buses and a good walk 😭😭

[1vanIdea]

Hello...I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 12 years ago by having a sleep study done through my doctor. The symptoms you describe are pointing in that direction. The end result for me was having to purchase a CPAP machine which supplies air to the sleeper through a mask which is to be worn every night. At first, it is difficult to get used to. The sleep study doctor will tell you what pressure you must have, and will give you a prescription for the purchase of the machine. I would advise you to go to a retailer that sells the machines and the masks and to make sure you are professionally fitted for the mask. Once you get used to the wearing of it, you will find a positive difference in how you feel in the mornings and throughout the day. Good luck!

[PAULINE15 in reply to 1vanIdea]

Thanks for your reply how much did the machine cost?

[1vanIdea in reply to PAULINE15]

The machine was about $800 Canadian funds. Masks can cost from $100 to $200. If you decide to go ahead, be sure to purchase a machine that has a humidifier and will accept heated tubing. This will go a long way in helping with the cpap experience. The heated tubing itself costs about $75. I don't know if any of these costs would be covered by a health plan where you are.

[Coops32]

Im 32 and have sleep apnea. They tell me its all down to weight however i dont believe thats completely right.. bmi is obese but i dont consider myself obese, am 5"5 12stone and wear size 12s... lost 2 stone when i got diagnosed and saw no improvement and dont think its a coincidence multiple people in my family have it. Anyway, i am able to drive (did stop driving for 2 weeks between appointments) and live life as normal aside from my cpap. I dont snore and have stopped falling asleep in the day. Get yourself checked as if you do have, the cpap will help greatly

[PAULINE15 in reply to Coops32]

Hospital said it’s only mild and not need any treatment they also said the doctor should not have told me to contact the DVLA till it was confirmed now I’m waiting for them to give me my license back ☹️

[Coops32 in reply to PAULINE15]

Oh no!!! Have you contacted dvla? I hurried mine along slightly with the hospital providing a letter saying i am fit to drive. Maybe phone the doctor and get them to issue a letter u can send on to the dvla and highlight u need car for work x